MONEY and about £8,000 worth of cigarettes were stolen during a spate of break-ins at businesses in Ludgershall.

The Spar shop and Ludgershall Fast Food Centre in Andover Road and The Wakkie Hair Co in High Street were broken into overnight.

Police were called during the early hours of this morning (Saturday, April 7).

Susan Connolly, of Spar Ludgershall, told the Journal that about £8,000 worth of cigarettes were taken along with 40 packs of 12 second class stamps.

Miss Connolly said: "It is just so annoying, you work so hard and someone just comes in and takes a month’s profit. Such scumbags.”

She added: "They have picked on the wrong town this time because the community spirit in Ludgershall has been fantastic.

"We had customers that came out last night and rang the police when they heard the alarm going off.

"The local businesses are providing us with CCTV so we are piecing the story together to help the police.

"Although it is a really bad thing to happen Ludgershall as a community have really helped the businesses that have been affected. It is just a really good community spirit and everybody is helping out to get it solved."

Damage was caused to the cigarette gantry inside the shop.

The store had to close for a few hours this morning.

Miss Connolly has praised the police and said "they were really good".

A statement on the Wakkie Hair Co Facebook earlier today said: "The salon was burgled last night. If anyone knows anything or heard anything please let us know.

"Unfortunately, we are waiting for police to arrive and cannot touch anything so the salon is closed until sorted and tidied up."

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

A police spokesman said: “Money and cigarettes were stolen during the burglaries.

"Two men, both wearing black, were seen running from the Spar shop shortly before 3am.

"Detectives are keeping an open mind about whether the three incidents are connected.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.